Mongolian Musical Instruments
Although morin khuur and throat singing are the dominant forms of music in Mongolia, there are many lesser known, unique instruments that give an even wider variety to the sound of Mongolia's music. Due to the nomadic nature of nomads, instruments had to be small enough to be easily portable (hence, the piano is not a popular instrument among Mongolian herders).
The YATGA or YATUGA is a string instrument that is plucked and has a smooth sound, often referred to as a Mongolian zither. It can have up to 21 strings, and a certain number of strings is associated with a specific use. For example, the 12 stringed yatga was only played in courts and monasteries, and shepherds were forbidden to play it. However, shepherds were allowed to play the 10 string yatga. The bridge of the Mongolian yatga is movable. Mongolians mainly play three types of this instrument, which vary by the resonators or hollow bodies. It is typically used as a concert instrument or during interludes.
The MORIN KHUUR is often called the horsehead fiddle by non-Mongolians. It is made of wood, with two sheep or deer sinew strings that are bowed. There is a horse head carved at the top of the neck. It is closely tied to Mongolian culture and their reverence for horses, and can be used to imitate the sounds of a herd of horses. Being the national instrument, it is the most widespread instrument in Mongolia, and families greatly value having one in their home. The morin khuur can play melodies and a drone note at the same time. There is also a bass version of it. The morin khuur is played at celebrations, rituals, and for dancing and singing to, as well as other occasions. There is a legend about how the morin khuur was created; that a man found his favorite horse dead outside his ger, and he used the horses bones, tendons and hair to make an instrument, which he then used to play the music of the sounds of his dead horse.
The HEL KHUUR or KHEL KHUUR is a kind of jaw harp, usually made from wood or bamboo. It is played by changing the shape of one's mouth and manipulating the sprung tongue of the instrument to change the pitch. It creates a unique "springy" sound. It can be played solo or in a group.
The LIMBE is a kind of Mongolian transverse flute. Traditionally made from bamboo, plastic is the most common material used today. The limbe has 9 holes, and is about 65 cm long. It is often played using circular breathing. The sound of the limbe is supposed to reflect the sounds of nature, and is closely connected to nomadic culture. It is often used for accompaniment, but can also be used for solos in folk music.
Below is a video if a limbe player. However, there is a long explanation, so SKIP TO 2:30.
Below is a video if a limbe player. However, there is a long explanation, so SKIP TO 2:30.
The BISHGÜÜR is a double reed instrument that has a beautiful sound. It has a large bell at the end, and can sometimes be extensively decorated.
Click here to listen to some BISHGÜÜR!
Click here to listen to some BISHGÜÜR!
The SURNAI or EVER BUREE is a kind of wind instrument similar in tone and range to a clarinet. It uses a reed and it's conical body is made from horn or wood.
If you want to hear the surnai, click here to listen to the only solo I could find, unfortunately, it is a very western piece of music.
If you want to hear the surnai, click here to listen to the only solo I could find, unfortunately, it is a very western piece of music.
LAVAI or TSAGAAN BUREE mean "white shells". Legend has it that this instrument was originally a gift from Budda himself. It is a lucky charm to have a white shell with whorls in a clockwise direction, therefore these are sought after. They have an added mouthpiece, made of brass, in order to play them.